Parts Express' locking 90deg banana plugs - best way to use?

[MOEB74]

This is my first time paying more attention to stuff, audio wise. I bought some 4s11g and Im going to make some cables. The cost was about 40$ more than the basic speaker wire I was going to buy. I also splurged on some of the PE 90 deg locking banana plugs, since they seemed like they were worth it.

What Im wondering is about terminating the 4s11g into the banana plug. Should I tin the leads? Should I use a wire ferrule? Do I use one screw to hold the insulation of the wires and the one screw to hit the conductors? Both screws into the conductors?

Any other pointers?

Thanks!

 

[Aerobat]

I just looked at the product page and your questions are answered there.

 

[rickb119]

Both screws into the conductors?

Yes.

Personally, I would not tin the leads. You get better surface contact with bare wires. I have, on occasion, used medium strength (loctite 242) thread lock on the set screws to prevent them from loosening.

 

[MOEB74]

I just looked at the product page and your questions are answered there.

Sure but thought the audio guys here could either confirm or give other alternatives. Id trust a few guys here more than someone on a review.

 

[RVT1K]

Personally I would make sure both screws were in contact with the conductor. This ensures the best mechanical and electrical connection.

I would also tin the wire first but that is simply the way I do it. I feel you get a better bite as the screw deforms the solder.

 

[Aerobat]

I always tin the tip of the cable to keep the strands from unraveling.

 

[MOEB74]

I always tin the tip of the cable to keep the strands from unraveling.

This was my train of thought too. Just the tip...

 

[mrk229]

I like to use wire ferrules. They keep all the strands contained and give the screws something to really clamp down on.

 

[MOEB74]

I like to use wire ferrules. They keep all the strands contained and give the screws something to really clamp down on.

Have you done any testing in terms of added resistance from bare wire to ferrule wire?

 

[rickb119]

Using a copper ferrule will not increase the resistance enough that it could even be measured. At least with a standard DVM. It will however increase the size, perhaps to the point it may not fit in the hole.

If you tightly twist the bare wires before inserting in the hole, you won't have any issues. If tinning, or using a ferrule makes you feel better, then do it.

 

[mrk229]

Have you done any testing in terms of added resistance from bare wire to ferrule wire?

No I have not. I use a hex ferrule crimper so there is a very good connection between the wires and the ferrule. Works for me YMMV.

 

[coonmanx]

Speaker wire question

When using a 2 grub screw banana plug with 16awg cable do both screws need to be fixed on to the bare wire for 100% conductivity or is one enough and then another can be screwed in to the jacket for strain relief? I’m using the cable it at its max length of 48ft in to 8ohm surround speakers

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[MOEB74]

Speaker wire question

When using a 2 grub screw banana plug with 16awg cable do both screws need to be fixed on to the bare wire for 100% conductivity or is one enough and then another can be screwed in to the jacket for strain relief? I’m using the cable it at its max length of 48ft in to 8ohm surround speakers

www.audiosciencereview.com

Thanks for the link.